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I made 4 substrate jars. 3 of them seemed to be doing alright, then they just stopped colonizing completely. Just today, I removed the lid from the jars for a few seconds and allowed some oxygen to enter. Does anyone have any better suggestions?

I did this because I figured they couldn't possibly grow, so I may as well give it a shot.

Anyway, thanks in advance!

"I've heard nonsense, compared with that would be as sensible as a dictionary." -- Alice in Wonderland.

--------------------"I've heard nonsense, compared with that would be as sensible as a dictionary." -- Alice in Wonderland.

There could be many reasons why colonization stopped or slowed dramatically. Opening the jars almost ensures that the jars will contaminate though unless done in a glovebox. Colonization can stall due to lack of oxygen, too much water in the substrate mix, or 'invisible' bacterial contams among other things. Let them grow and see how it goes but they will most likey contam if they are not near 100% colonization already.

Ah ok... well I'm using 500mL jars, which seem to take forever to colonize, as I've found out. I had them growing for like 3 months and only one is almost colonized, but it looks like it may be contaminated. I figured it was worth taking the risk since these jars haven't done anything in a loooong time.

If I were to take a syringe, or air-pump of any sort, and inject some air, would that be bad?

"I've heard nonsense, compared with that would be as sensible as a dictionary." -- Alice in Wonderland.

--------------------"I've heard nonsense, compared with that would be as sensible as a dictionary." -- Alice in Wonderland.